The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Eugene Bennett Fluckey, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BARB (SS-220), on the EIGHTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 21 May 1944 to 9 July 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Skillfully maneuvering his vessel into favorable strike position despite the hazards of adverse weather, ice floes and fog, Commander Fluckey launched torpedo attacks to sink five enemy ships totaling more than 37,000 tons and account for two more in aggressive gun battles. Despite persistent hostile countermeasures, he employed skillful evasive tactics to bring his ship to port without damage. His leadership and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Commander Fluckey and the United States Naval Service.